The official kick-off for “Homes For Our Heroes” took place on Sept. 11 on Cameron Avenue.

Whole Man Pastor Barry Washington speaks.

The aim of the project, which is being spearheaded by Whole Man Ministries, is to rehab several condemned homes on Cameron for residential housing for veterans.

Mayor Allen Joines gave the keynote speech, praising the project and its potential to help the city permanently end homelessness. Other special guests included State Sen. Earline Parmon, City Council members Vivian Burke, Derwin Montgomery and James Taylor. U.S. Sens. Kay Hagan and Richard Burr and U.S. Rep. Mel Watt sent representatives in their stead. A congratulatory letter was also sent, and read at the event, from Gov. Pat McCrory.

In all, more than 300 people attended. Project contributors like Home Depot and Panera Bread fed the crowd. The project has received much support from companies and individuals. The Home Depot Foundation donated $15,000 for four kitchens and floors. The company also sent 75 volunteers to the site to cut down trees, plant shrubs, cut grass, place mulch and erect flags. Roof Replacement Solutions, Gwyn Electric, Wyatt and Dad Repair and Matthew Beverly and the Forsyth Tech Community College plumbing department have also contributed greatly to the project.

Whole Man Ministries is looking to open at least one unit on Veterans Day, Nov. 11.
Donations are still needed. Go to http://wholemanministries.com/veterans to help.